Meet Our Amazing Team
We take youth empowerment seriously. So our leaders are drawn from our Council of Elders, teens 14-18 years old who have been taught to think and anticipate, to plan, run programs and watch out for the needs of younger children, as well as to build, weld, offer first aid and operate computers. Many also receive advanced training, whether in counseling, social work, computers, nursing, construction or electrical engineering.
Nkosi
Nkosi was a tiny 9-year-old when he began at Zimkids. Now, he has a university degree in Social Work and is our Assistant Director! He’s even completed coursework in Project Planning and Management, which helps him in overseeing day-to-day operations at Zimkids.
He registers new beneficiaries, makes home visits when children are experiencing problems and, in cases of abuse, finds the kids alternate living arrangements. He also counsels children facing particular challenges, liaises with school heads, community leaders and the Department of Social Welfare to protect the rights and welfare of our kids.
Ngqabutho
For almost 20 years, Ngqabutho has been part of our community, from his early days playing on our fields until now, when he uses his National Certificate in Electrical Power Engineering both to maintain critical parts of our infrastructure and, in the process, to pass along his skills to our Elders. An exceptional role model, he also tutors older children preparing for their high school exams.
Sithabisiwe
Sithabisiwe joined at the age of 12, in 2005. A member of our first Council of Elders, she was a member of the crew that constructed our buildings. Having arned a Counseling Diploma, she conducts home visits and mentors girls, helping them develop important life skills and build their confidence. She also tutors primary level kids and runs our broiler chicken project.
Peter
Peter is our creative spark, constantly finding new ways to turn even old wire or wood into artistic delights. Part of Zimkids since he was 13 years old, he teaches welding, carpentry and arts and crafts. He also develops original games to teach children cooperation, anticipation and team work.
mbongeni
Mbongeni Having grown up and eventually becoming an elder he has learned to care for our children.He is wonderful with children, he’s so much more, coordinating the work of our Elders on our egg-laying project and keeping our soccer players on their feet - and the ball in the air!
Mbuso
Mbuso joined ZImkids in 2005 when he was 7 years old. He since rose through the ranks to become an elder. Eventually with the training he received from Tinashe he became proficient in computers and runs our computer tech center.